Sabah has emerged as one of the most expensive places in Malaysia to buy food during the Ramadan season, according to a nationwide pricing survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

With an average item price of RM7.69, Sabah ranks fourth highest among 16 states and three federal territories. Only Putrajaya (RM8.10), Labuan (RM7.90), and Selangor (RM7.79) recorded higher averages.

The survey, which kicked off on March 5, covered 64 selected Ramadan bazaars and tracked prices for 20 common food and drink items — from kuih and air sirap to nasi Arab and ayam golek. DOSM says the findings offer a broad overview of pricing trends, but do not reflect individual experiences due to its purposive sampling approach.

In Sabah, standout items included Ayam Golek (Siap Potong): RM33, one of the highest nationwide, Nasi Arab (Ayam): RM14.30, above the national average of RM12.87.

Kuih Karipap & Ketayap: RM0.60 each, among the lowest in the country.

Air Sirap Bandung & Air Tembikai: RM4.80 each, sitting just below the national average.

By comparison, neighbouring Sarawak averaged just RM6.80, and Perlis, the cheapest in Malaysia, recorded RM6.31 per item.

Sabah’s pricing puts it ahead of several urban powerhouses, including: Kuala Lumpur (RM7.52), Johor (RM7.46), Pulau Pinang (RM7.43) and Melaka (RM7.28). 

At the lower end of the scale were states like Terengganu (RM6.91), Negeri Sembilan (RM6.97), and Kedah (RM7.00).

The data also revealed significant disparities in single-item pricing across states. 

For example, kuih seri muka cost RM1.80 in Perlis, while the same item was priced at just RM0.60 in Sarawak, Sabah and Melaka. 

Ayam golek ranged from RM24 to RM35 depending on the state.

DOSM’s goal, it said, is to provide the public with a bird’s-eye view of food affordability during Ramadan. 

While not exhaustive, the data offers a rare look at how much Malaysians are paying for festive favourites — and how much more Sabahans might be forking out compared to others. – March 28, 2025